LauraHis words stabbed deep. Even at my weakest, most desperate, he was protecting me from my own impulses.He kissed my forehead, light as a feather, heavy with restraint. "I know, baby," he whispered, voice shaking. "But I love you, so I can't."The heat wouldn't stop, threatening to swallow me. I thrashed, begged, but he held me, wrapping me tighter in his jacket, unmoving as my tears soaked his shirt.Time blurred. Hours, maybe longer. Sam held me, letting me fight, kissing my forehead, repeating, "I'm here, Laura. I'm not leaving."The torment lasted all night, my body craving release, but Sam's iron will shielded me from myself.Finally, the heat faded. My body relaxed, consciousness slipping. Before I passed out, I felt his gentle touch and his whisper, "Sleep, baby. It'll be okay."—--When I stirred, I wasn't in Sam's apartment. The familiar scent told me I was home, tucked into my bed, a soft blanket over me.My body was weak, eyelids heavy, but I sensed someone by the bed
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